Industrial architecture

1. INDUSTRIAL
ARCHITECTURE

2. What Is Industrial Architecture?
• Industrial architecture is a type of architectural design used in
the construction of buildings in the industrial sector. Industrial
buildings are constructed for the purpose of efficiently and
safely processing raw materials into new products. Types of
industrial buildings include power plants, distilleries, breweries,
manufacturing facilities, factory buildings, grain silos, and
refineries.
• Industrial building design tends to prioritize functionality and
worker safety over aesthetically pleasing interior design.
However, interior designers are breathing new life into obsolete
industrial buildings by turning them into modern office buildings,
showrooms, apartment buildings, art galleries, and more.

3. A Brief History of Industrial Architecture
Industrial architecture can be traced all the way back to the
1700s, and it continues to shape our world today.
• The First Industrial Revolution
• The Second Industrial Revolution
• Industry shifts
• An industrial revival
• Modern factories:

4. • The First Industrial Revolution: Industrial architecture
emerged during the First Industrial Revolution that took place in
England between 1760 and 1830. These early industrial
facilities processed materials like silk, cotton, and brass. They
were built as efficiently as possible using the building materials
of the day: lumber and masonry.
• The Second Industrial Revolution: What we think of today as
industrial architecture is largely based on buildings from the
Second Industrial Revolution, which was brought about by the
introduction of new building materials such as steel and
concrete. These advancements transformed industrial facilities
in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. These new
materials helped to make industrial structures more efficient and
safer for workers.

5. • Industry shifts: By the mid-twentieth century, Europe and the
United States began to shift towards a post-industrial economy.
No longer dependent on manufacturing jobs, many industrial
facilities fell to disrepair and ruin.
• An industrial revival: Beginning in the 1960s, architecture
firms in New York City began turning obsolete industrial
buildings into upscale apartments. This started a wave
of adaptive reuse projects—architecture projects that seek to
preserve the history of industrial buildings and bring new life to
previously abandoned spaces.
• Modern factories: As the world has become more aware of the
adverse effects of industry, many industrial architects are
prioritizing sustainability and modern aesthetics.

6. Key Elements of Industrial Architecture
• Combination of functionality and design
• Large, open floor plans
• High ceilings
• Use of raw rough materials such as concrete, brick, metal
• Lack of ornamentation on building façade
• Distressed and worn finishes from years of heavy use
• Exposed brick, ductwork and piping that otherwise would be smoothed over in
residential construction
• Large metal-grid windows

7. Interesting Facts About Industrial Architecture
• Stylized industrial-style architecture and interior design has become trendy in recent years as the world's
derelict warehouses are converted into hip, pricey lofts, office spaces, cafes, restaurants, and hotels. Today
you don't have to look far to see the influence of industrial architecture and design in even the least industrial
settings, with the go-to use of raw materials, exposed building elements, and other hallmarks of the style
increasingly mainstream and not simply reserved for urban loft conversions.
• Considered a masterpiece of industrial architecture, the 1931 Ford Assembly Building car factory in
Richmond, California was designed by renowned industrial architect Albert Kahn. It was listed on the National
Register of Historic Places in 1988, but earthquake damage the next year jeopardized its future before it was
successfully rehabilitated into a solar-powered mixed use office space and cultural center.

8. • Industrial architecture formed the building blocks for Modern Architecture.

10. Characteristics of Industrial Architecture
The design of an industrial building can vary depending on its
purpose, but there are some common elements found across the
spectrum of industrial architecture.
1. Wide-open spaces: Industrial buildings tend to have open
floor plans and high ceilings
2. Minimalist aesthetic: Industrial architecture tends to follow
the philosophy of modern architecture by prioritizing functionality
over ornamental flourishes.
3. Exposed materials and utilities: Exposed brick walls,
concrete floors, and steel beams are commonly found inside
industrial residential spaces. You'll likely find exposed ductwork,
wiring, and plumbing as well.

11. An Example of Industrial Architecture
• From the dawn of the Industrial Revolution to today, industrial
architecture can be found all over the world. A striking example
is the Ford Richmond Assembly Plant in Richmond, California.
In 1931, German-born architect Albert Kahn built the plant for
the Ford Automotive company. At the time of its construction, it
was the largest assembly plant on the West Coast. During
World War II, it transitioned its efforts to support the war. The
plant is largely made from brick and steel and has many large
glass windows and skylights. Today, the building is a cultural
center and mixed-use office space powered by solar energy.